HOW I GOT HERE
Superintendent Bhupinder Rai’s career journey
Superintendent Bhupinder Rai always knew she wanted a career in justice. She grew up with strong family values, and her father used to tell her, ‘Somebody who commits a sin is a sinner, but somebody who stands by and does nothing to help is a bigger sinner.’ Those words sunk in. Rai was determined to make a difference. Yet, as a young Black Asian Minority Ethnic woman, joining the police force seemed unthinkable – until a leaflet dropped through her door that changed the direction of her life.
BEING A POLICE OFFICER WAS NEVER ON THE CARDS. As a young Indian woman, I didn’t think it was possible. I initially wanted to be a lawyer, but when I finished my A levels I ended up going into banking, doing an apprenticeship with Natwest before going on to work in insurance.
MY PATH CHANGED WHEN A POLICE RECRUITMENT LEAFLET DROPPED
THROUGH MY DOOR. Feeling unfulfilled in my career at the time, I remember saying jokily to my husband, ‘I wonder if I could ever get into a job like that.’ We laughed, but I saw his light-hearted dismissal as a challenge. Why couldn’t it be something I considered? I applied to do a three-day initial assessment – and I passed it.
POLICE TRAINING WAS RIGOROUS AND EYE-OPENING. There were routine background checks and fitness assessments, and a 13-week training period, which was residential. I found it so hard being away from my loved ones, and it was in a very non-diverse area, so as a BAME female, I was often stared at walking down the street. There were a couple of times when I nearly gave up, but my husband encouraged me to keep going, and I’m so glad I did.
‘EVEN NOW, I CAN WALK INTO A ROOM AND BE THE ONLY WOMAN THERE’
SOMETIMES, LIFE TAKES YOU IN A DIRECTION YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE
PLANNED. But by answering the call, you find your niche. That’s what happened to me. After starting as a constable in 1992, I worked my way up, becoming a sergeant, then inspector, chief inspector and superintendent, the role I’ve held since 2015. I believe it is just as important to work hard on progression and retention as it is recruitment. After all, who wants to join an organisation with no opportunities to develop?
I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT POTENTIAL DANGERS. Naturally, my family were worried when I qualified, but the first time I felt scared was on a night shift on my own, jumping at the sound of dustbins being moved. I had a realisation of being alone on the streets, but didn’t feel uncomfortable. I was equipped with a radio, handcuffs, a truncheon and a lot of training. Yes, you face dangerous situations, but there are very good safeguarding methods in place.
WHEN IT COMES TO DIVERSITY IN POLICING, WE ARE SLOWLY MAKING
PROGRESS. We are seeing a rise in the number of female officers, however, even now, I can walk into a room and be the only woman there. I am also often the only person who is BAME. There is still a perception among some that a police officer is male and white – and that is reflected in the way some people react to me and my female colleagues. I am proud that, as a senior female BAME officer, I can further influence positive change.
I AM SO PASSIONATE ABOUT MY ROLE AS BAME LEAD FOR THE POLICE SUPERINTENDENTS’ ASSOCIATION. We work on a national level to understand and act upon the barriers in policing for BAME women. When it comes to gender and ethnicity, I think there’s a fear of public failure. When there are so few of you, you are more visible. There will always be critics but, ultimately, if you don’t have faith in your own capabilities, no one else will.